Food Packaging: What Is Safe–and What Is Not?

Two recent 'Shop Like Me' posts brought out great questions from you, my readers. What is the truth about BPA in canned foods (like beans) and carcinogens in microwave popcorn bags? Technically our government is responsible for making sure our food packaging is safe--but should we be taking this matter into our own hands?

Like most things in life, if you want the job done right, do it yourself. Sure there are various branches of the FDA and EPA that regulate the safety of food supply but as we have seen over and over again, there are still plenty of negative incidences that occur. The best thing you can do is keep yourself informed and make smart, educated choices.

It’s a fact that there is BPA (Bisphenol-A) in the lining of canned foods but whether or not its presence is harmful to us is still unclear. Elevated levels are certainly of concern but we are not sure how much BPA in our system actually comes from food versus the environment. The BPA-containing lining of these canned goods has been incredibly successful at preventing deadly foodborne illness. But now that we know some of it leaches into our food and we ingest it, what is the bigger risk? Elevated levels of BPA are thought to be associated with cancer, heart disease and sexual dysfunction. There is special concern about the effects of BPA on developing fetuses, infants and young children. What to do?

Actions I take against BPA ingestion:1. Be aware of the frequency which I consume canned foods and try to buy cans that are BPA free.2. Only buy BPA free cups and plates for our use at home.3. Do not wash plastic food storage containers in the dishwasher – this enables leaching of BPA.4. Do not microwave any plastic food containers. 5. Stay current on BPA news and research. Ask your doctor if testing your level is possible or seek out a credible research study to participate in that would provide you with your blood levels. (I am actually part of a study right now that is looking into the effects these contaminants can have on certain systems of the body).

The other topic I was asked about was carcinogens in microwave popcorn bags. The truth behind this is the same as BPA, there is a chemical called PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, in the bag lining and it’s purpose is to prevent sticking. Similar to BPA, there has been increased concerns over elevated levels of this chemical in our bodies due to the use of it in food packing as well as nonstick coatings on cookware. There is no cause and effect relationship yet but it certainly seems like we should be concerned and takes steps to minimize potential ingestion of PFOA.

Actions I take against PFOA ingestion:1. Buy plain popcorn seeds and pop them in a pan on the stovetop.2. Only use glass containers for microwaving foods.3. Use stainless steel pots and pans. Avoid purchasing “nonstick” pans – just use oil and proper heat instead to prevent sticking.

It’s incredibly difficult to work in a field like nutrition with so many unclear answers to really good questions. I value the research process and hope I can trust that the research we rely on is done under ethical standards with our best interest in mind and I hope that the incredibly intelligent scientists and engineers we have out there can find safer ways to deliver our food to us.

For now, we’ll do the best we can to avoid excessive intake of either chemical and hope that our other good habits (like eating healthy, unprocessed foods, rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals while also exercising and maintaining our weight) will prove helpful in the long run!